Yuwaalaraay wirringgaa Lucy Simpson is Creative Director and Principal Designer / Maker behind Gaawaa Miyay; a First Nations process-led studio practice established in 2009 inspired by country, relationships and notions of continuity + exchange.

Grounded in and guided by the timeless and sophisticated philosophies of First Nations design, Simpson’s Wangal / Sydney based multi-disciplinary practice connects to narratives of country through function, materiality and transfer; through a wide range of applications spanning commercial, conceptual, and community-based projects and collaborations across a diverse range of media from fashion and textiles to public art (large scale sculptural works and painted and printed murals), fibre practice, ceramics, glass work and industrial design.

A graduate of UNSW Art and Design and current PhD Candidate at the University of Technology Sydney, both Lucy’s creative practice and research focus on the continuing role of First Nations design as a tool and conduit of survival and baayangalibiyaay / interconnected notions of wellbeing (people and place).

www.gaawaamiyay.co

@gmiyay

Rhonda Sharpe was born in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) 1977. She lived sometimes at Kwale Kwale and sometimes at Trucking Yards Town Camp where she went to Yipirinya School. Sharpe discovered her interest and passion for making soft sculptures when she followed her aunty Dulcie Sharpe into the art room one day. From initially watching the other artists around her, Sharpe has over the years, developed her skills, style and subject matter to reflect her own personal journey. From delicate stitched creatures to figures that depict profoundly honest personal stories, Sharpe’s works celebrate her love for her art, her family, Country, and storytelling.

Rhonda is a multi award winning artist, exhibited nationally and internationally and practising for over 15 years with great national success. Her works are held in major galleries and national institutions across Australia. 

Rhonda Sharpe – Yarrenyty Arltere Artists

NIFA 2023 – Textile Design Award

@Yarrenyty Arltere

MAARA is an Australian Ready-To-Wear brand founded by Yuwaalaraay designer and Creative Director Julie Shaw.

The line embraces a collaborative approach to design by working in close partnership with Indigenous artists and creatives from across Australia to present fashion collections within a contemporary context.

Showcasing licensed and commissioned textiles with co-designed woven accessories, the collections are beautifully inspired by culture and Country.

Incorporating natural fibres and mindful manufacturing, MAARA embraces the local stories and artistry to capture the essence of Australia.

MAARA Collective

@maara.collective

Visual Artist/Textile Designer: A proud Wirangu/Kokatha/Mirning Woman.

Born in Ceduna,on the Far West Coast of South Australia.

I Gained valuable knowledge from my family and continues to grow and learn from both Old and New generations, about the Land, Ocean and coastline of the Far West.

We collect colour themes and inspirations from our surroundings. Being in and around the water is my families way of life. Our arts practice has taken us into the direction of textile design. ‘Visual Art also gives you the freedom to do whatever you want’. So Both passions are combined and transferred into Warna (Ocean) themed templates.

Co-Founder of EleRaze Creatives; Sonya Coleman, began with a Successful Showcase of EleRaze Collection: Warna Tide before Time in the Country to Couture Runway 2024, with collaborators Melanie Sarantou and Amna Qureshi. EleRaze Creatives is a Family Owned Indigenous Business that supports: Visual Art, Textile Designs, and Digital Printing.

We are so lucky and fortunate to collaborate with amazing talented Artists, and will continue to expand our brand with Casual and Chic, Couture, Evening and Cocktail, Swimwear and Activewear and Homeware.

@elerazecreatives

@EleRaze Creatives

Mayatili Marika (she/her) is a Rirratjingu Traditional Owner and Yolŋu woman based in north-east Arnhem Land. Part of a new generation of leadership for Yolŋu people, Mayatili is a bilingual leader and advocate who is involved in the education pipeline for Yolŋu people in the region.

Mayatili belongs to one of the great artistic and political dynasties of Australia. Her father is Wandjuk Marika O.B.E. and her grandfather is Mawalan Marika.

Her father was instrumental in the international recognition of Aboriginal art, traveling around the world to promote Indigenous culture. As Chair of the Aboriginal Arts Board of the Australian Council he played an important role in advocating for the founding of the Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre. The Marika family is strongly represented in the Madayin exhibition, as well as museum and gallery collections around the world.

For over a decade Mayatili has been the Cultural Curator and programmer of the Garma Festival (Australia’s largest annual indigenous event) in North East Arnhem Land.

She also works for the University of Melbourne. Mayatili’s role at the University of Melbourne provides cultural knowledge, leadership and support for the University’s strategy and partnerships in North East Arnhem Land. The role also connects and builds the University’s relationship with the Yolngu of North East Arnhem Land, working across the University with a range of academic and professional staff at all levels to create, developing and executing opportunities for collaboration with key stakeholders.

Mayatili has been working closely with major domestic and international art institutions such as National Gallery of Australia, the Met in New York, and the Tate Modern in London, as well as many commercial galleries in Australia and the US, as a curator of exhibitions, including the recent groundbreaking and critically acclaimed travelling exhibition Madayin: Eight Decades of Aboriginal Australian Bark Paintings from Yirrkala which has been shown over the last two years at major institutions throughout the United States.

Mayatili also spends considerable time in International Cultural Leadership and Knowledge Exchange pathways around the globe.

My name is Lindyn Rowland, I’m a proud Wiradjuri and Waiben Island man, born on Awabakal/Worimi Country, and currently living in Naarm, Wurundjeri Country.

I am the founder, Creative Director and Head Stylist of Rowland Vision, the first and only independently owned First Nations eyewear brand.

I am a proud First nations model with experiences of walking on multiple runways featured at Australian Fashion week and Melbourne Fashion week for the past four years.

I was also honoured to be the Head Stylist for the David Jones Indigenous Fashion Projects runway at Australian Fashion week 2024.

With a profound understanding of the importance of cultural representation and respect, I am committed to a role of showcasing the rich tapestry of Indigenous artistry and design on a global platform.

With my extensive experience in the fashion industry, for example; My role as Head Stylist at Australian Fashion week 2024 has equipped me with invaluable experience in curating visually compelling narratives that honour Indigenous heritage and storytelling, collaborating closely with artists I’ve developed an eye for blending traditional elements with contemporary fashion, ensuring authenticity and respect are at the forefront of every presentation.

Rowland Vision

@rowlandvision

Kahlia Rogers, is a Bunuba, Walmajarri, Gooniyandi and Martu woman from Fitzroy Crossing and Wangkatjungka Community in the Kimberley region of WA.  

A remarkable young model, despite the challenges of living remotely, Kahlia has built a successful modelling career while staying connected to her culture and family.

Kahlia commutes two hours daily to work at Fitzroy Crossing School and has travelled around Australia for fashion events, self-funding her way to opportunities like Country to Couture. Her achievements include modelling for Mangkaja x Gorman, winning Kimberley Girl in 2022, and representing Letitia Shaw’s collection in Paris.

In addition to her modelling, Kahlia works with the Shooting Stars program, mentoring young girls and helping them engage with education and fashion. Her dedication and success make her a standout role model for young people in remote areas. 

Kahlia was the inaugural recipient of the National Indigenous Fashion Awards – the Cecilia Cubillo Young Achievers Award in 2024. 

Kahlia Rogers – NIFA 2024 Cecilia Cubillo Young Achiever Award

Fatherline: Trawlwoolway

Michelle is a Tasmanian Aboriginal designer, a project manager and facilitator within a community development, capacity building and therapeutic context.

Since re-training in Fashion Design, Project Management and Transpersonal Psychology in the last 15 years, she has established a design practice and strong professional reputation for her creative practice, project management capabilities, her capacity to facilitate groups, and design culturally safe programs integrating a therapeutic lens.

Passionate about advocating for her people and country through art and design, Michelle’s love lies with fashion and textiles. She is a leader in the emergence of First Nations Fashion and Textile Design in Tasmania and co-creator of Ya’rnin – Recovering Kinship through Design, fashion and textile design pilot project.

Michelle is a leading collaborator with Walantanalinany Palingina, a key Tasmanian Aboriginal Multi Arts Initiative.

Belinda is an experienced project manager and consultant living on Yawuru/Djugun country in WA, with 15 years experience in the Indigenous Arts and Community Development industries. Belinda has a Masters in International Development and Post grad qualifications in Arts and Cultural management. She worked with NPY Women’s Council, Papunya Tula and Tjanpi Desert Weavers in Central Australia, before moving to the Kimberley region of WA where she managed Mangkaja Arts Resource Agency in Fitzroy Crossing for 7 years.

She now specialises in strategic and art centre model development, having overseen the successful delivery of major exhibition programs, collaborative cross industry partnerships, business revenue diversification and the advancement of Indigenous artist careers nationally and internationally.

Collaborative practice and cross industry partnerships are a key interest, with a specialisation in the development of fashion and textiles innovation in remote and regional communities. Belinda is a Churchill Fellow, undertaking research and policy advice relating to Indigenous fashion industry growth. She managed the Mangkaja x Gorman collaboration and is co-ordinating a regional fashion program named KAFTA (Kimberley Aboriginal Fashion Textiles Art) with a team of leading Aboriginal Kimberley creatives to build industry capacity and opportunities for Kimberley communities. Belinda is dedicated to the decentralisation of services and industry, increasing opportunity and elevating regional and remote based Indigenous creative practices.

Sammy has more than 20 years experience coordinating and overseeing the design, build and construction of multi-million dollar high profile events and exhibitions both local, interstate and internationally. With recent roles establishing Magnolia Flower Merchants, Business Development and Operations Manager for Agentur and five years as the General Manager of Fusion Exhibitions which included the operations management of DAAF from 2016 and several runway installations for Country to Couture including the Smoking ring and 6m tall tree.

Internationally trained and award winning, Sammy is a highly skilled Event Creative and Operations Manager with extensive experience in design, marketing, production management, social media marketing, account and sales management, business, administration, team leadership, culture and development.

Born on Gadigal Country, Sammy now calls Darwin home with her two children whilst competing as an amateur boxer and restyling homes with her company Joy Creative. Sammy has joined the DAAFF team with a firm knowledge of its operations and programs and looks forward to using her critical thinking, business development, creative and relationship skills to continue to develop exceptional events and opportunities for our artists, Art Centres and communities.